WASHINGTON  House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement after Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced his resignation today:

It is clear that our strategy in Iraq is not working and that we must chart a new direction in our policy there. Yesterday, the American people sent an unmistakable message through the elections that they want a course correction in Iraq, and today the President indicated that this message has been received.

The Presidents announcement that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld will resign is a very significant break with the unsuccessful policies of the past and an important opportunity to chart a new direction in Iraq, as well as the war on terrorism.

Congressman Hoyer is the Federal Representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Maryland. The Fifth District encompasses all of southern Maryland. Members of the United States House of Representatives serve two-year terms. Mr. Hoyer also serves as the Minority Whip. The Minority Whip is a member of the minority party in the U.S. House of Representatives who assists the Minority Leader in coordinating the party caucus in its responses to legislation and other matters.